The Portland Timbers have ended their multi-year kit deal with DaBella over allegations of misconduct against the company's CEO.
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Timbers end kit deal with DaBellaCompany's CEO accused of sexual misconductMulti-year shirt deal immediately terminatedWHAT HAPPENED?
In November 2023, DaBella signed a multi-year deal with the Timbers as their new front-facing kit sponsor. However, now – after just four months – their contract was terminated by the Timbers with immediate effect.
A court filing revealed allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted advances against three female employees surfaced against company CEO Donnie McMillan Jr.
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A statement read: "The Portland Timbers have terminated the club’s corporate partnership with DaBella, effective immediately, after learning yesterday of allegations of misconduct at the company included in a court filing that was made public on Feb. 23. The Timbers and a third-party firm conducted a thorough pre-deal vetting process, and the club did not learn of the filing until Feb. 27. This decision was rooted in the responsibility we have to our fans, supporters, partners and employees to transparently reflect and uphold the values and expectations of our community."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Timbers are actively scrubbing the DaBella name from their home ground, Providence Park, ahead of their home-opener this weekend. In addition, the MLS side are working on planning a jersey exchange for fans who had already purchased the 2024 kit with the DaBella logo on it.
They will move forward without a front-facing sponsor, with Adidas supplying a blank template kit for the club ahead of this weekend.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE PORTLAND TIMBERS?
The Timbers take on D.C. United on Sunday in a cross-conference clash. Portland will be looking for their second win of the season, but will be wearing a sponsor-less kit while doing so.